how to get a lawyer for help with my apartment

One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court. Another option is to file a fair housing complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or a state or local agency in HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). HUD and state and local agencies in FHAP receive over 10,000 discrimination complaints a year.

Full Answer

How can a landlord/tenant lawyer help me?

How to Get a Lawyer's Help. If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find an Excellent Lawyer" or go straight to Nolo's Lawyer Directory. Hire a lawyer as …

Where can I find legal help if I can't afford a lawyer?

Aug 10, 2021 · Find help from your state with this directory of state-level agencies and resources for tenants. Results differ for each state, but you may find: State agencies that address tenant rights. Agencies that handle complaints. You may eventually decide that you need help from a lawyer. See if you qualify for free legal aid from a non-profit organization.

Where can I find help with landlord and tenant laws?

Apr 29, 2020 · In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if …

How do I find a lawyer for a landlord-tenant case?

Check with your state's laws to see what your rights are. You can find and create legal documents quickly and easily with Rocket Lawyer's online interviews. You can also use Rocket Lawyer to Find a Lawyerto help you with your landlord-tenant issues. This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice.

Your Landlord Is Evicting You

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a lawye...

Your Landlord Is Evicting You Without Proper Court Procedures

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hand...

Your Landlord Discriminates Against You

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any...

Your Landlord Won't Make Necessary Repairs

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the land...

Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling His Promises

Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighbor...

You've been Injured Or Made Ill

Accidents can happen, even at a well-run rental property. However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, you may have a lega...

Your Property Has been Damaged

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring re...

How to Get A Lawyer's Help

If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find a...

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

As a tenant, if you pay to rent a home or an apartment, you may at some point have a dispute with the landlord or management company. Often dispute...

Complaints About Mortgage Companies

If you have a complaint against a mortgage company, try to resolve it with the company first. Several government agencies accept complaints about m...

Identify and Complain about Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination happens when a housing provider gets in the way of a person renting or buying housing because of theirRace or colorReligionS...

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage, ...

What is a tenant lawyer?

On the other hand, a landlord / tenant lawyer also helps landlords who have tenants breaking rules, such as moving out three months early or refusing to pay rent. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city.

How to file a lawsuit against a landlord?

Finally, your landlord-tenant law attorney will take legal action for you. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, they will: 1 Review documents 2 Research the law 3 Interview witnesses 4 Collect records 5 Talk with expert consultants 6 Plan a legal strategy 7 Negotiate with landlords, insurers, property managers, and opposing counsel

What is the goal of an attorney?

Negotiate with landlords, insurers, property managers, and opposing counsel. An attorney's goal is to strengthen your position and obtain the best results for you. No matter how you decide to take action, they make sure it is done correctly, and you are protected.

Do landlords have rights?

While landlords may often hold the upper hand, renters are afforded certain rights when it comes to rental property. If you have questions about your rights as a tenant, you deserve answers. When you feel that your rights have been violated, you may want to get in touch with an experienced landlord-tenant attorney near you.

What happens if you pay rent to an apartment?

As a tenant, if you pay to rent a home or an apartment, you may at some point have a dispute with the landlord or management company. Often disputes are about the conditions of the building, essential services, rent increases, or your right to stay. It’s best to come to an agreement directly with the landlord or manager. Make sure you get everything in writing. And if you and the landlord can’t agree, you can turn to outside help.

What to do if you have a complaint against a mortgage company?

If you have a complaint against a mortgage company, try to resolve it with the company first. Several government agencies accept complaints about mortgage lenders. In some cases, you should file your complaint with more than one agency, especially at the federal and state level.

What is the Fair Housing Act?

This law prohibits discrimination when you rent, buy, or secure financing for a home. Your state may also have a similar law.

What is unfair and deceptive practices?

It states that unfair and deceptive practices affecting commerce are unlawful. Report a mortgage company to the FTC if it makes deceptive statements, omits important facts, or takes misleading actions. Examples include: False statements about their ability to offer a loan.

Does the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation?

Discrimination Against LGBT People. The Fair Housing Act does not specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. But discrimination against someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) may still be in violation of the Act or other state or local regulations.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Who is Geoff Williams?

Geoff Williams, Contributor. Geoff Williams has been a contributor to U.S. News and World Report since 2013, writing about ... Read more. Tags: personal finance, money, personal budgets, lawsuits.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

Who is Andrea Vacca?

Andrea Vacca is a collaborative divorce attorney in New Yor k City and the owner of Vacca Family Law Group. She says – at least with divorces – that "some courts offer free assistance to parties who want to fill out their own uncontested divorce paperwork."

What is a broken lease?

Breaking a Lease. A written lease or rental agreement is a binding contract between you and your landlord. While you may have valid reasons for wanting to get out of your lease (for example, you're moving because of a job, marriage or divorce, or the apartment is severely damaged), breaking a lease is still a breach of contract, ...

Can you cancel a lease without penalty?

You've been called to active duty in the military. If you signed the lease before being called up, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act lets you cancel your lease without penalty.

Do you have to pay rent for a year?

Remember, if you have a fixed lease (usually for a year), you're usually obligated to pay rent for the entire year. This means if your landlord can't find a replacement tenant immediately, or loses rent because of your move, you'll probably have to pay the difference.

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

What can a mediator do for landlord tenant issues?

You can also suggest mediation. A mediator can help ease tension and bring both sides to an agreement. Some state and local agencies offer mediation services for landlord-tenant issues, so be sure to ask to see if that might be an option.

How to get your security deposit back?

The easiest way to get your security deposit back is to maintain a good relationship with your landlord after you move in to the apartment. If you get along well with your landlord, misunderstandings don’t have to escalate into major disagreements. Even if you have a good relationship with your landlord, it is a good idea to take photos ...

What happens to a security deposit?

States have landlord-tenant laws that address what happens to a tenant's security deposit, including: 1 The percentage of the tenant's security deposit that landlords can keep 2 What landlords can use the security deposit for 3 The time frame for when a landlord must give the security deposit back

What is a demand letter?

A demand letter is simply a letter you can draft demanding your security deposit back. You may even want to consider hand-delivering the letter and having the landlord sign and date your copy as proof that they received the letter. If discussing the issue with your landlord fails to solve the problem, try to compromise.

Can you sue a landlord for a security deposit?

Filing a lawsuit can result in a recovery greater than the amount of your actual security deposit if the court finds that your landlord has acted in bad faith. In such cases, the award could be two or three times the amount of your security deposit.

Do landlords have to return security deposits?

Landlords typically must return security deposits at the end of a lease, minus the cost of specific repairs and cleaning. As with any legal issue, if you believe that your landlord is withholding or misusing your security deposit in bad faith, it is important to check your state's laws before taking action. States have landlord-tenant laws that ...

How A Landlord-Tenant Attorney Can Help

• A landlord-tenant attorney can give you an honest opinion of your case, offer you clear options for your next steps, and protect your rights as you take action.

See more on findlaw.com

Related Resources For Tenant's Rights Issues

Get Legal Help with A Tenants' Rights Issue